I met Austin in 1994, when he was just coming up to three. My sister Emily was his nanny and Gregg & Laurie kindly let me come to stay for 2 weeks as I missed my sister so much.

I was only 14 and didn't have much experience with infants, but Austin was such a joy to be around. Even at that young age he was able to communicate what he wanted/needed so well, I remember being out at a pizza place for lunch and he started saying "Co?", Gregg instantly knew that he wanted some Cola!

His love of weather even at that young age was clear. I remember he introduced me to the Weather Channel, and we would sit together and watch it while Emily got on with things. I was as memorised as he was by it (coming from a small, wet island like GB, the vast differences in the weather across 1 country astounded me).

As I left to go home again, I hoped I would be able to come and look after Austin when I was old enough, as I had loved my time with the Hudson-Lapore family. Sadly I never had the courage to do it.

I got to meet him and his wonderful family again in 2000 when Emily and I went to stay with them in NM. He was so very bright, articulate and polite. His knowledge of science astounded me!

Gregg, Laurie and Aidan, I am so sorry for your loss. You are an amazing family and I am so pleased I met all of you. Austin certainly made a positive impact on my life.